REVIEW: In Your Dreams by Kristan Higgins

In In Your Dreams (Blue Heron #4) by Kristan Higgins, Emmaline Neal would never have guessed in a million years that she’d talk herself into going to her ex-fiancé’s wedding in Malibu. But that’s exactly what she’s going to do, just to prove that she’s moved on. Em has made a new life in Manningsport, New York, as a local cop. She has a cute puppy, Sarge, to share her time with and some wonderful friends in town. Now if she could just find a date to said wedding. Everyone in town points to Jack Holland as the one to save the day. He’s absolutely gorgeous. And he’s a genuinely nice guy. But his ex-wife is back in Manningsport causing a ruckus so Em isn’t sure it’s a good idea. When Jack agrees to go, they hit it off quickly. Soon things become more complicated as a relationship that was supposed to be for show becomes something much more real.

“I’ve already competed for a man’s love, and I lost. I’m not doing it again.”

The slow winter months at Blue Heron winery allow Jack Holland a bit of time to himself. Normally that would be good, but after becoming the town’s supposed hero after a tragic event, he just wants to stay busy to keep the nightmares at bay. To make things worse, his ex-wife Hadley is back, looking to reconcile even though Jack has made it clear it’s time to move on. When he finds out Emmaline needs a date for a wedding, he jumps at the chance to go, hoping a change of scenery will help. Plus, Jack has always liked Em’s feistiness, and had even played hockey with her previously. He’s soon knocked out that there’s a sexy, feminine side of her he’s never seen before. Their passion takes him by surprise as he realizes she also gives him the peace of mind he’s been looking for. But can she handle him in the damaged state he’s currently in?

“I bet you were an Eagle Scout.”
“As a matter of fact, I was. We’re trained to help damsels in distress.”
“If you ever call me that again, I’ll kick you in the soft parts.”
She had no idea how appealing she was.

In Your Dreams is the latest installment in the popular Blue Heron series by one of my favorite authors, Kristan Higgins. In this story, our love match, Emmaline and Jack, have to learn to let go of their past before they can see the opportunity right in front of them.

I’ll start right away by saying there are a lot of characters in the Blue Heron series. You can read these books independently, but you might have an easier time keeping track of everyone if you start at the beginning and go from there. Plus, they’re so entertaining and heartfelt that you’ll probably want to read them all anyway! As always, Ms. Higgins delivered an emotionally tangled story that had a wonderful comedic edge to it. I looked forward to seeing how Jack and Em’s everyday lives would be chronicled in a fun way, and this time there were two scenes that had me cringing/laughing/snorting: one was Em’s mishap with some silicone “chicken cutlets” and a bathing suit; and the other was Jack and Em’s first official date. Very sexy and humorous.

I truly did like both Jack and Em, and thought they were a great couple. She was a bit tomboyish, as she was a cop and played hockey with the guys, but Em definitely had a feminine side that Jack took notice of quickly. As the story progressed, there was quite a bit of backstory for both of them, which was helpful to understand them today. My heart went out to Jack dealing with the aftereffects of becoming the town hero and feeling like he didn’t do enough to help. Em was just the right person for him during the stressful times, and I thought it created a solid bond between them. Their conversations were a lot of fun to read, especially with the great chemistry between them. And Ms. Higgins did it again, giving us two lovable furbabies this time to dote over: Sarge the German Shepard puppy with his boundless energy and ever-present squeaky chicken toy, and Lazarus, Jack’s quirky cat who begrudgingly warmed up to Em and her puppy. So sweet…

In Your Dreams is another stellar contemporary romance in this series that delves into deep, dark emotions while still maintaining an upbeat, lovely small town feel. Definitely recommended.

Book Info:

Publication: September 30th 2014 by Harlequin HQN | (Blue Heron #4)

Emmaline Neal needs a date. Just a date—someone to help her get through her ex-fiancé’s wedding without losing her mind. But pickings are slim in Manningsport, New York, population 715. In fact, there’s really only one option: local heartthrob Jack Holland. Everyone loves Jack, and he won’t get the wrong idea…. After all, Jack Holland would never actually be interested in a woman like Em. Especially not with his beautiful ex-wife creeping around, angling to reunite ever since he rescued a group of teens and became a local hero.

But when the wedding festivities take an unexpectedly passionate turn, Em figures it was just one crazy night. Jack is too gorgeous, too popular, to ever end up with her. So why is she the one he can talk to about his deep, dark feelings? If Em is going to get her dream man, she’ll have to start by believing in him…